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JP2009214334A - Printing plate making device and manufacturing method of printing plate - Google Patents

Printing plate making device and manufacturing method of printing plate Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2009214334A
JP2009214334A JP2008058160A JP2008058160A JP2009214334A JP 2009214334 A JP2009214334 A JP 2009214334A JP 2008058160 A JP2008058160 A JP 2008058160A JP 2008058160 A JP2008058160 A JP 2008058160A JP 2009214334 A JP2009214334 A JP 2009214334A
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light beam
engraving
point
optical power
recording medium
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Japanese (ja)
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Ichiro Miyagawa
一郎 宮川
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Fujifilm Corp
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Fujifilm Corp
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Priority to JP2008058160A priority Critical patent/JP2009214334A/en
Priority to US12/396,491 priority patent/US8418612B2/en
Priority to EP09250641A priority patent/EP2098366A3/en
Publication of JP2009214334A publication Critical patent/JP2009214334A/en
Priority to US13/649,132 priority patent/US8850979B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41CPROCESSES FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR REPRODUCTION OF PRINTING SURFACES
    • B41C1/00Forme preparation
    • B41C1/02Engraving; Heads therefor
    • B41C1/04Engraving; Heads therefor using heads controlled by an electric information signal
    • B41C1/05Heat-generating engraving heads, e.g. laser beam, electron beam

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  • Manufacture Or Reproduction Of Printing Formes (AREA)

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the sectional shape of a region remaining defined in a projecting form approximate such a shape that a projecting part which is sectionally almost rectangular is formed on the upper part of a base shaped like an almost trapezoid in the section. <P>SOLUTION: A light power of a laser beam LA is stepped down linearly or almost linearly from P1, starting off with a first point Q1 or its nearby spot, all along a segment connecting a first point Q1 in a first depth L1 which is distant by "m" pixels upstream in the scan direction from an upstream side reference position (PA), with a second point Q2 which is distant by "n" pixels downstream in the scan direction from an upstream side reference position on the surface FA of a recording plate F. Then, the light power of the laser beam LA is set below a sculpture threshold value energy in the upstream side reference position or its nearby spot. Next, the light power of the laser beam LB is stepped down linearly or almost linearly from P2, starting off with a third point Q3 or its nearby spot, all along a segment connecting the third point Q3 with the first point Q1 in a second depth L2 which is distant by (2m+n)×(P2/P1) pixels, upstream in the scan direction from the upstream side reference position (PA), to be followed by the procedure to set the light power of the laser beam LB below the sculpture threshold energy at the first point Q1 or its nearby spot. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

製版装置及び製版方法に関する。   The present invention relates to a plate making apparatus and a plate making method.

外周面に記録プレート(記録媒体)が装着されたドラムを主走査方向に回転させると共に、記録プレートに彫刻(記録)すべき画像の画像データに応じたレーザビームを主走査方向と直交する副走査方向に走査させることで、2次元画像を記録プレートに彫刻(記録)して製版する製版装置が知られている。   A drum having a recording plate (recording medium) mounted on the outer peripheral surface is rotated in the main scanning direction, and a laser beam corresponding to image data of an image to be engraved (recorded) on the recording plate is sub-scanned perpendicular to the main scanning direction. 2. Description of the Related Art A plate making apparatus that engraves (records) a two-dimensional image on a recording plate by performing scanning in a direction is known.

フレキソ印刷版等の凸版印刷版で印刷する場合、版上に形成した凸部のエッジ形状が鈍っていたり、凸部を支える土台部が脆弱であると、例えば、印刷物に押し付ける力によって印刷濃度が変化したり、細線やハイライトの点がうまく印刷できなかったりし、明瞭な印刷がなされない場合がある。   When printing on a relief printing plate such as a flexographic printing plate, if the edge shape of the projection formed on the plate is dull or the base part supporting the projection is weak, for example, the printing density is reduced by the force pressed against the printed matter. It may change, or fine lines and highlight points may not print well, and clear printing may not be achieved.

これを軽減するために、凸状に残す領域の形状を、断面形状台形状の土台部の上部に、断面矩形状の凸部が形成された形状とすることが提案されている(例えば、特許文献1を参照)。   In order to alleviate this, it has been proposed that the shape of the region that remains in the convex shape is a shape in which a convex portion having a rectangular cross section is formed on the top of the base portion having a cross sectional shape trapezoid (for example, a patent) Reference 1).

一方、凸版印刷版をレーザビームでより高速で直彫りするために、記録プレートを二回露光して彫刻する方式が提案されている(例えば、特許文献2を参照)。
特開平6−234262号公報 特許第35562044号
On the other hand, in order to directly engrave a relief printing plate with a laser beam at a higher speed, a method of engraving a recording plate by exposing it twice is proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-6-234262 Japanese Patent No. 35562044

そして、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、明瞭な印刷がなされるように、凸状に残す領域の形状を、断面形状台形状の土台部の上部に断面矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけることが求められている。   And even when engraving by scanning the recording medium twice, the shape of the region to remain in the convex shape is formed on the top of the base portion of the cross-sectional trapezoidal shape so that clear printing is performed. It is required to be close to the shape in which is formed.

本発明は上記課題を解消するためになされたものであり、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、凸状に残す領域の断面形状を、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけることができる製版装置及び製版方法を提供することが目的である。   The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the cross-sectional shape of the region to be left in the convex shape is formed on the upper portion of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. It is an object of the present invention to provide a plate making apparatus and a plate making method capable of approaching a shape in which convex portions having a substantially rectangular cross section are formed.

請求項1に記載の製版装置は、光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版装置であって、前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側の上流側端部を上流側基準位置とすると、前記第一の光ビームの光パワー制御は、前記第一の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にm画素離れた第一ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと前記記録媒体の表面における上流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にn画素離れた第二ポイントまで、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、上流側基準位置又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とし、前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第三ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと第三ポイントまで、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、第一ポイント又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とすることを特徴としている。   The plate making apparatus according to claim 1 is a plate making apparatus which engraves the recording medium by scanning the recording medium with a light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch, and the light beam is a first light beam. And the second light beam, the light power of the first light beam is P1, the light power of the second light beam is P2, and the engraving depths are d1 and d2, respectively. After the recording medium is scanned at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, the second light beam is scanned on the scanning line scanned by the one light beam and is deeper than the first depth. When the upstream end on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region where the recording medium remains convex is engraved to a depth d1 + d2, the optical power control of the first light beam Is the first light beam When the recording medium is engraved by scanning at a predetermined pixel pitch, the first point and the upstream on the surface of the recording medium from the first point or its vicinity away from the upstream reference position by m pixels upstream in the scanning direction. The optical power of the first light beam is lowered from P1 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape from the side reference position to a second point separated by n pixels downstream in the scanning direction, and engraving threshold energy at or near the upstream reference position When the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with the second light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch, the second medium is separated from the upstream reference position by (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels upstream in the scanning direction. From three points or the vicinity thereof to the first point and the third point, the optical power of the second light beam is lowered from P2 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and the engraving threshold energy at or near the first point It is characterized by the following.

請求項1に記載の製版装置では、第一光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度で彫刻する際には、第一ポイント又はその近傍から、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にm画素離れた第一深度における第一ポイントと記録媒体の表面における上流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にn画素離れた第二ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って、第一光ビームの光パワーをP1から線形状又は略線形状に下げ、上流側基準位置又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。   In the plate making apparatus according to claim 1, when engraving at a first depth by scanning a recording medium with a first light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch, scanning from an upstream reference position from or near the first point. The first light along a line segment connecting a first point at a first depth m pixels away from the upstream side in the direction and a second point n pixels away from the upstream reference position on the surface of the recording medium downstream from the scanning direction. The optical power of the beam is lowered from P1 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and is made equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at or near the upstream reference position.

第二光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第二深度で彫刻する際には、第三ポイント又はその近傍から、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第二深度における第三ポイントと第一ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って、第二光ビームの光パワーをP2から線形状又は略線形状に下げ、第一ポイント又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。   When the recording medium is scanned with the second light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved at the second depth, (2m + n) × (P2) from the upstream reference position to the upstream side in the scanning direction from or near the third point. / P1) Along the line connecting the third point and the first point at the second depth away from the pixel, the optical power of the second light beam is lowered from P2 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and the first point or its It is below the engraving threshold energy in the vicinity.

このような光パワー制御を行なうことで、凸状に残す領域の走査方向上流側には、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成される。また、例えば、第一光ビームで彫刻した際の断面略台形状の土台部の走査方向上流側の傾斜面に、第二光ビームが彫刻した傾斜面が略直線状につながる。   By performing such optical power control, a convex portion having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed above the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the region to be left in the convex shape. Further, for example, the inclined surface engraved by the second light beam is connected to the inclined surface on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section when engraved with the first light beam.

したがって、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、凸状に残す領域の断面形状が、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけられる。   Therefore, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the cross-sectional shape of the region to be left in the convex shape is close to the shape in which the convex portion having the substantially rectangular cross section is formed on the base portion having the substantially trapezoidal cross section. It is done.

これにより、例えば、製版後の記録媒体(印刷版)を印刷物に押し付ける力によって印刷濃度が変化したり、細線やハイライトの点がうまく印刷できなかったりすることが防止又は抑制され、その結果、明瞭な印刷がなされる。   Thereby, for example, it is prevented or suppressed that the printing density is changed by the force of pressing the recording medium (printing plate) after the plate making against the printed matter, or that fine lines and highlight points cannot be printed well. Clear printing is done.

請求項2に記載の製版装置は、請求項1に記載の構成において、前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第一ポイントと第二ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げることを特徴としている。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the plate making apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a part of the adjacent region adjacent to the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region in which the surface of the recording medium is left convex. The optical power of the first light beam engraving the region or the entire region is lowered so that the upper surface of the convex portion is equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy, and in the adjacent region close to the upstream side in the scanning direction of the adjacent region, the first The optical power of the first light beam is increased as compared with the case of engraving along a line segment connecting the point and the second point.

請求項2に記載の製版装置は、凸部の走査方向上流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域に照射する第一光ビームの光パワーが、凸部の上面にかかる光ビームの露光が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げられることで、凸部上面の彫刻が防止又は抑制される。よって、凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられる。   The plate-making apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the optical power of the first light beam applied to a partial region or the entire region in the adjacent region adjacent to the upstream side of the convex portion in the scanning direction is such that the light beam applied to the upper surface of the convex portion. By lowering the exposure so as to be equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy, engraving on the upper surface of the convex portion is prevented or suppressed. Therefore, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion can be made closer to the desired width.

更に、隣接領域における彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とした領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第一ポイントと第二ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻することで、凸部の側面の傾きが急角度となる。換言すると、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。   Furthermore, in the adjacent area close to the outer side in the scanning direction upstream of the engraving threshold energy in the adjacent area, the first light beam is emitted more than when engraving along the line segment connecting the first point and the second point. By engraving with increasing optical power, the inclination of the side surface of the convex portion becomes a steep angle. In other words, the shape of the convex portion can be approximated to a rectangular shape.

このように、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられると共に、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。つまり、凸部が高精細に彫刻される。よって、製版後の記録媒体で印刷した印刷物における細線や網点等の再現性が向上される。   In this way, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion formed on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a desired width, and the shape of the convex portion can be made closer to a rectangular shape. That is, the convex portion is engraved with high definition. Therefore, the reproducibility of fine lines, halftone dots, etc. in the printed matter printed on the recording medium after plate making is improved.

請求項3に記載の製版装置は、光ビームで記録媒体を画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版装置であって、前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側の下流側端部を下流側基準位置とすると、前記光ビームの光パワー制御は、前記第一光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、下流側基準位置又はその近傍から前記第一光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にm画素離れた第五ポイントと前記録録媒体の表面における下流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にn画素離れた第六ポイントまで、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第五ポイント又はその近傍でP1とし、前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、第五ポイント又はその近傍から前記第二光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、第五ポイントと下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第七ポイントまで、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第七ポイント又はその近傍でP2とすることを特徴としている。   The plate making apparatus according to claim 3 is a plate making apparatus which engraves the recording medium by scanning the recording medium with a light beam at a pixel pitch, and the light beam includes a first light beam and a first light beam. Two optical beams, the optical power of the first optical beam is P1, the optical power of the second optical beam is P2, and the engraving depths are d1 and d2, respectively. Is scanned at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, and then the second light beam d1 + d2 deeper than the first depth is scanned by scanning the scanning line scanned by the one light beam with the other light beam. If the downstream end on the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region where the recording medium remains convex is used as the downstream reference position, the optical power control of the light beam is Predetermine the recording medium with a light beam When engraving by scanning at a pixel pitch, the optical power of the first light beam is set to be equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy from the downstream reference position or its vicinity, and then m pixels away from the downstream reference position downstream in the scanning direction. From the fifth point and the downstream reference position on the surface of the prerecorded recording medium to the sixth point that is n pixels away upstream in the scanning direction, the optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and the fifth point or its vicinity P1 and when the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with the second light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch, the optical power of the second light beam is set to be equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy from the fifth point or the vicinity thereof. Thereafter, the optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape from the fifth point and the downstream reference position to the seventh point that is (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels downstream in the scanning direction. Alternatively, P2 is set in the vicinity thereof.

請求項3に記載の製版装置では、第一光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度で彫刻する際には、下流側基準位置又はその近傍から第一光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にm画素離れた第一深度における第五ポイントと記録媒体の表面における下流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にn画素離れた第六ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って、光パワーを線形状又は略線形状に上げて、第五ポイント又はその近傍でP1とする。   In the plate making apparatus according to claim 3, when the recording medium is scanned with the first light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved at the first depth, the light of the first light beam from the downstream reference position or the vicinity thereof. After making the power equal to or greater than the engraving threshold energy, the fifth point at the first depth, which is m pixels away from the downstream reference position in the scanning direction, and n pixels away from the downstream reference position on the surface of the recording medium in the scanning direction upstream. The optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape along the line segment connecting the sixth point, and P1 is set at or near the fifth point.

第二光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第二深度で彫刻する際には、第五ポイント又はその近傍から第二光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第二深度における第七ポイントと第五ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って、光パワーを線形状又は略線形状に上げて、第七ポイント又はその近傍でP2とする。   When the recording medium is scanned with the second light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved at the second depth, the optical power of the second light beam is set to be equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy from the fifth point or its vicinity, and then downstream. The optical power is linear or substantially linear along a line segment connecting the seventh point and the fifth point at the second depth, which is (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels away from the side reference position downstream in the scanning direction. To P2 at or near the seventh point.

このような光パワー制御を行なうことで、凸状に残す領域の走査方向下流側には、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成される。また、例えば、第一光ビームで彫刻した際の断面略台形状の土台部の走査方向下流側の傾斜面に、第二光ビームが彫刻した傾斜面が略直線状につながる。   By performing such optical power control, a convex portion having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed on the upper side of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section on the downstream side in the scanning direction of the region to be left in the convex shape. Further, for example, the inclined surface engraved by the second light beam is connected to the inclined surface on the downstream side in the scanning direction of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section when engraved with the first light beam.

したがって、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、凸状に残す領域の断面形状が、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけられる。   Therefore, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the cross-sectional shape of the region to be left in the convex shape is close to the shape in which the convex portion having the substantially rectangular cross section is formed on the base portion having the substantially trapezoidal cross section. It is done.

これにより、例えば、製版後の記録媒体(印刷版)を印刷物に押し付ける力によって印刷濃度が変化したり、細線やハイライトの点がうまく印刷できなかったりすることが防止又は抑制され、その結果、明瞭な印刷がなされる。   Thereby, for example, it is prevented or suppressed that the printing density is changed by the force of pressing the recording medium (printing plate) after the plate making against the printed matter, or that fine lines and highlight points cannot be printed well. Clear printing is done.

請求項4に記載の製版装置は、請求項3に記載の構成において、前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第五ポイントと第六ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げることを特徴としている。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the plate making apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein a part of the adjacent region adjacent to the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region in which the surface of the recording medium remains convex. The optical power of the first light beam engraving the region or the entire region is lowered so that the upper surface of the convex portion is equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy. The optical power of the first light beam is increased compared to when engraving along a line connecting the point and the sixth point.

請求項4に記載の製版装置では、記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域に照射する第一光ビームの光パワーが、凸部の上面にかかる光ビームの露光が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げられることで、凸部上面の彫刻が防止又は抑制される。よって、凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられる。   5. The plate making apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first light irradiates a partial area or the entire area in the adjacent area adjacent to the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the area where the surface of the recording medium remains convex. The optical power of the beam is lowered so that the exposure of the light beam applied to the upper surface of the convex portion becomes equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy, so that the engraving of the upper surface of the convex portion is prevented or suppressed. Therefore, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion can be made closer to the desired width.

更に、隣接領域における彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とした領域の走査方向下流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第五ポイントと第六ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻されることで、凸部の側面の傾きが急角度となる。換言すると、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。   Furthermore, in the adjacent area close to the outside in the scanning direction downstream of the area that is equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy in the adjacent area, the first light beam is emitted more than when engraving along the line segment connecting the fifth point and the sixth point. By engraving with increasing optical power, the inclination of the side surface of the convex portion becomes a steep angle. In other words, the shape of the convex portion can be approximated to a rectangular shape.

このように、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられると共に、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。つまり、凸部が高精細に彫刻される。よって、製版後の記録媒体で印刷した印刷物における細線や網点等の再現性が向上される。   In this way, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion formed on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a desired width, and the shape of the convex portion can be made closer to a rectangular shape. That is, the convex portion is engraved with high definition. Therefore, the reproducibility of fine lines, halftone dots, etc. in the printed matter printed on the recording medium after plate making is improved.

請求項5に記載の製版装置は、請求項1〜請求項4のいずれか1項に記載の構成において、nが、1以上、3以下の整数であることを特徴としている。   The plate making apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less.

請求項5に記載の製版装置では、nを1以上、3以下の整数とすることで、断面略矩形状の凸部が適当とされる高さに形成される。   In the plate making apparatus according to claim 5, by setting n to an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less, a convex portion having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed at an appropriate height.

請求項6に記載の製版装置は、請求項1〜請求項5のいずれか1項に記載の構成において、mが、5以上、30以下の整数であることを特徴としている。   The plate making apparatus according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 5, m is an integer of 5 or more and 30 or less.

請求項6に記載の製版装置では、mを5以上、30以下の整数とすることで、断面略台形状とされる土台部が適当とされる幅に形成される。   In the plate making apparatus according to claim 6, by setting m to an integer of 5 or more and 30 or less, the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section is formed to have an appropriate width.

請求項7に記載の製版装置は、請求項1〜請求項6のいずれか1項に記載の構成において、前記記録媒体は、光ビームが、主走査方向と、前記主走査方向に直交する副走査方向と、に走査されることにより彫刻され、前記光ビームの光パワー制御は、主走査方向及び副走査方向のいずれか一方又は両方を走査する際に行なれることを特徴としている。   According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the plate making apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the recording medium includes a sub beam whose light beam is orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the main scanning direction. It is engraved by scanning in the scanning direction, and the optical power control of the light beam can be performed when scanning one or both of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

請求項7に記載の製版装置では、光ビームが主走査方向と主走査方向に直交する副走査方向とに走査されて彫刻されることによって、凸状に残す領域が平面視略矩形状に形成される。また、略矩形状の少なくとも1辺側は、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成される。   The plate making apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the light beam is scanned and engraved in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, so that a region left in a convex shape is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. Is done. Further, at least one side of the substantially rectangular shape is formed with a convex portion having a substantially rectangular cross section on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section.

請求項8に記載の製版方法は、光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版方法であって、前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側の上流側端部を上流側基準位置とすると、前記第一光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にm画素離れた第一ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと前記記録媒体の表面における上流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にn画素離れた第二ポイントまで、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、上流側基準位置又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とし、前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第三ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと第三ポイントまで、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、第一ポイント又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とすることを特徴としている。   The plate making method according to claim 8 is a plate making method for engraving the recording medium by scanning the recording medium with a light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch, wherein the light beam is a first light beam. And the second light beam, the light power of the first light beam is P1, the light power of the second light beam is P2, and the engraving depths are d1 and d2, respectively. After the recording medium is scanned at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, the second light beam is scanned on the scanning line scanned by the one light beam and is deeper than the first depth. When the upstream end on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region where the recording medium is left convex is engraved to the depth d1 + d2, the recording medium is moved by the first light beam. Scanning and engraving at a predetermined pixel pitch In this case, the first point separated from the upstream reference position by m pixels upstream in the scanning direction or the vicinity thereof, and the first point and the upstream reference position on the surface of the recording medium are separated by n pixels downstream from the upstream direction. Until the second point, the optical power of the first light beam is lowered from P1 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape so as to be equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at or near the upstream reference position, and the recording medium with the second light beam. Is engraved by scanning at a predetermined pixel pitch, the first point and the second point are located at or near the third point that is (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels away from the upstream reference position upstream in the scanning direction. Up to three points, the optical power of the second light beam is lowered from P2 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape so as to be equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at or near the first point.

請求項8に記載の製版方法では、このようにして彫刻(製版)することで、凸状に残す領域の走査方向上流側には、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成される。また、例えば、第一光ビームで彫刻した際の断面略台形状の土台部の走査方向上流側の傾斜面に第二光ビームが彫刻した傾斜面が略直線状につながる。   In the plate making method according to claim 8, by engraving (plate making) in this way, a region having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed on the upper side of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the region to be left convex. A convex part is formed. Further, for example, the inclined surface engraved with the second light beam is connected to the inclined surface on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section when engraved with the first light beam.

したがって、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、凸状に残す領域の断面形状が、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけられる。   Therefore, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the cross-sectional shape of the region to be left in the convex shape is close to the shape in which the convex portion having the substantially rectangular cross section is formed on the base portion having the substantially trapezoidal cross section. It is done.

これにより、例えば、製版後の記録媒体(印刷版)を印刷物に押し付ける力によって印刷濃度が変化したり、細線やハイライトの点がうまく印刷できなかったりすることが防止又は抑制され、その結果、明瞭な印刷がなされる。   Thereby, for example, it is prevented or suppressed that the printing density is changed by the force of pressing the recording medium (printing plate) after the plate making against the printed matter, or that fine lines and highlight points cannot be printed well. Clear printing is done.

請求項9に記載の製版方法は、請求項8に記載の方法において、前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第一ポイントと第二ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻することを特徴としている。   A plate making method according to a ninth aspect is the method according to the eighth aspect, wherein a part of the adjacent region adjacent to the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region where the surface of the recording medium is left convex. The optical power of the first light beam engraving the region or the entire region is lowered so that the upper surface of the convex portion is equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy, and in the adjacent region close to the upstream side in the scanning direction of the adjacent region, the first The engraving is performed by raising the optical power of the first light beam rather than engraving along the line connecting the point and the second point.

請求項9に記載の製版方法では、記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域に照射する第一光ビームの光パワーが、凸部の上面にかかる光ビームの露光が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げられることで、凸部上面の彫刻が防止又は抑制される。よって、凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられる。   The plate making method according to claim 9, wherein the first light irradiates a partial region or the entire region in the adjacent region adjacent to the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region where the surface of the recording medium remains convex. The optical power of the beam is lowered so that the exposure of the light beam applied to the upper surface of the convex portion becomes equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy, so that the engraving of the upper surface of the convex portion is prevented or suppressed. Therefore, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion can be made closer to the desired width.

更に、隣接領域における彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とした領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第一ポイントと第二ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻することで、凸部の側面の傾きが急角度となる。換言すると、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。   Furthermore, in the adjacent area close to the outer side in the scanning direction upstream of the engraving threshold energy in the adjacent area, the first light beam is emitted more than when engraving along the line segment connecting the first point and the second point. By engraving with increasing optical power, the inclination of the side surface of the convex portion becomes a steep angle. In other words, the shape of the convex portion can be approximated to a rectangular shape.

このように、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられると共に、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。つまり、凸部が高精細に彫刻される。よって、製版後の記録媒体で印刷した印刷物における細線や網点等の再現性が向上される。   In this way, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion formed on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a desired width, and the shape of the convex portion can be made closer to a rectangular shape. That is, the convex portion is engraved with high definition. Therefore, the reproducibility of fine lines, halftone dots, etc. in the printed matter printed on the recording medium after plate making is improved.

請求項10に記載の製版方法は、光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版方法であって、前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側の下流側端部を下流側基準位置とすると、前記第一光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、下流側基準位置又はその近傍から前記第一光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にm画素離れた第五ポイントと前記録録媒体の表面における下流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にn画素離れた第六ポイントまで、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第五ポイント又はその近傍でP1とし、前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、第五ポイント又はその近傍から前記第二光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、第五ポイントと下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第七ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第七ポイント又はその近傍でP2とすることを特徴としている。   The plate making method according to claim 10 is a plate making method for engraving the recording medium by scanning the recording medium with a light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch, wherein the light beam is a first light beam. And the second light beam, the light power of the first light beam is P1, the light power of the second light beam is P2, and the engraving depths are d1 and d2, respectively. After the recording medium is scanned at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, the second light beam is scanned on the scanning line scanned by the one light beam and is deeper than the first depth. Engraving to a depth of d1 + d2 and assuming that the downstream end on the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion that forms the upper part of the region where the recording medium remains convex is the downstream reference position, the recording medium is moved by the first light beam. Scan at a predetermined pixel pitch When engraving, after making the optical power of the first light beam equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy from the downstream reference position or its vicinity, the fifth point and the previous point separated m pixels downstream from the downstream reference position in the scanning direction From the downstream reference position on the surface of the recording medium to the sixth point separated by n pixels upstream in the scanning direction, the optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and is set to P1 at or near the fifth point. When the recording medium is engraved by scanning the recording medium with two light beams at a predetermined pixel pitch, the optical power of the second light beam from the fifth point or its vicinity is set to be equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy, The optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape along the line segment connecting the seventh point separated by (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels downstream from the downstream reference position in the scanning direction. Or It is characterized by P2 in the vicinity of.

請求項10に記載の製版方法では、このようにして彫刻(製版)することで、凸状に残す領域の走査方向下流側には、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成される。また、例えば、第一光ビームで彫刻した際の断面略台形状の土台部の走査方向下流側の傾斜面に、第二光ビームが彫刻した傾斜面が略直線状につながる。   In the plate making method according to claim 10, the engraving (plate making) is performed in this manner so that the region left in the convex shape has a substantially rectangular cross section at the upper portion of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section on the downstream side in the scanning direction. A convex part is formed. Further, for example, the inclined surface engraved by the second light beam is connected to the inclined surface on the downstream side in the scanning direction of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section when engraved with the first light beam.

したがって、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、凸状に残す領域の断面形状が、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけられる。   Therefore, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the cross-sectional shape of the region to be left in the convex shape is close to the shape in which the convex portion having the substantially rectangular cross section is formed on the base portion having the substantially trapezoidal cross section. It is done.

これにより、例えば、製版後の記録媒体(印刷版)を印刷物に押し付ける力によって印刷濃度が変化したり、細線やハイライトの点がうまく印刷できなかったりすることが防止又は抑制され、その結果、明瞭な印刷がなされる。   Thereby, for example, it is prevented or suppressed that the printing density is changed by the force of pressing the recording medium (printing plate) after the plate making against the printed matter, or that fine lines and highlight points cannot be printed well. Clear printing is done.

請求項11に記載の製版方法は、請求項10に記載の方法において、前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第五ポイントと第六ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻することを特徴としている。   A plate making method according to an eleventh aspect is the method according to the tenth aspect, wherein a part of an adjacent region adjacent to the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region where the surface of the recording medium is left convex. The optical power of the first light beam engraving the region or the entire region is lowered so that the upper surface of the convex portion is equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy. The engraving is performed by raising the optical power of the first light beam as compared with the case of engraving along the line connecting the point and the sixth point.

請求項11に記載の製版装置では、記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域に照射する第一光ビームの光パワーが、凸部の上面にかかる光ビームの露光が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げられることで、凸部上面の彫刻が防止又は抑制される。よって、凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられる。   The plate making apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first light irradiates a partial region or the entire region in the adjacent region adjacent to the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the region where the surface of the recording medium remains convex. The optical power of the beam is lowered so that the exposure of the light beam applied to the upper surface of the convex portion becomes equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy, so that the engraving of the upper surface of the convex portion is prevented or suppressed. Therefore, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion can be made closer to the desired width.

更に、隣接領域における彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とした領域の走査方向下流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第五ポイントと第六ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻されることで、凸部の側面の傾きが急角度となる。換言すると、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。   Furthermore, in the adjacent area close to the outside in the scanning direction downstream of the area that is equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy in the adjacent area, the first light beam is emitted more than when engraving along the line segment connecting the fifth point and the sixth point. By engraving with increasing optical power, the inclination of the side surface of the convex portion becomes a steep angle. In other words, the shape of the convex portion can be approximated to a rectangular shape.

このように、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の上面の幅が所望の幅に近づけられると共に、凸部の形状が矩形状に近づけられる。つまり、凸部が高精細に彫刻される。よって、製版後の記録媒体で印刷した印刷物における細線や網点等の再現性が向上される。   In this way, the width of the upper surface of the convex portion formed on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a desired width, and the shape of the convex portion can be made closer to a rectangular shape. That is, the convex portion is engraved with high definition. Therefore, the reproducibility of fine lines, halftone dots, etc. in the printed matter printed on the recording medium after plate making is improved.

なお、彫刻閾値エネルギーとは、記録媒体の表面を彫刻するために必要な光ビームの光パワー(エネルギーとされ)、この彫刻閾値エネルギーよりも大きな光パワー(エネルギー)でないと記録媒体は彫刻されない。換言すると、彫刻閾値エネルギー以下の光ビームが露光されていても記録媒体の表面は彫刻されない。なお、この彫刻閾値エネルギーは記録媒体の種類(材質など)によって異なる。   The engraving threshold energy is the optical power (energy) of a light beam necessary for engraving the surface of the recording medium, and the recording medium is not engraved unless the engraving threshold energy is larger than the engraving threshold energy. In other words, the surface of the recording medium is not engraved even if a light beam having an engraving threshold energy or less is exposed. The engraving threshold energy differs depending on the type (material, etc.) of the recording medium.

請求項1に記載の製版装置によれば、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、記録媒体を凸状に残す領域を、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making apparatus of claim 1, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the region in which the recording medium is left in a convex shape has a substantially rectangular cross section on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. It has the outstanding effect that it can approximate to the shape in which the convex part was formed.

請求項2に記載の製版装置によれば、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の断面形状を、より矩形状に近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   The plate making apparatus according to claim 2 has an excellent effect that the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion formed on the upper portion of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a rectangular shape.

請求項3に記載の製版装置によれば、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、記録媒体を凸状に残す領域を、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate-making apparatus of claim 3, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the region in which the recording medium is left in a convex shape has a substantially rectangular cross section on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. It has the outstanding effect that it can approximate to the shape in which the convex part was formed.

請求項4に記載の製版装置によれば、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の断面形状を、矩形状により近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making apparatus of the fourth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion formed on the upper portion of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a rectangular shape.

請求項5に記載の製版装置によれば、断面略矩形状の凸部が適当とされる高さに形成することができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making apparatus of the fifth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the convex portion having a substantially rectangular cross section can be formed at an appropriate height.

請求項6に記載の製版装置によれば、断面略台形状とされる土台部を適当とされる幅に形成することができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making apparatus of the sixth aspect, it has an excellent effect that the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be formed in an appropriate width.

請求項7に記載の製版装置によれば、凸状に残す領域が平面視矩形状に形成される、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making apparatus of the seventh aspect, there is an excellent effect that the region to be left in the convex shape is formed in a rectangular shape in plan view.

請求項8に記載の製版方法によれば、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、記録媒体を凸状に残す領域を、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making method of claim 8, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the region where the recording medium is left in a convex shape has a substantially rectangular cross section on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. It has the outstanding effect that it can approximate to the shape in which the convex part was formed.

請求項9に記載の製版方法によれば、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の断面形状を、より矩形状に近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making method of the ninth aspect, there is an excellent effect that the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion formed on the upper portion of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a rectangular shape.

請求項10に記載の製版方法によれば、記録媒体を二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、記録媒体を凸状に残す領域を、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に断面略矩形状の凸部が形成された形状に近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making method of claim 10, even when the recording medium is scanned twice and engraved, the region where the recording medium is left in a convex shape has a substantially rectangular cross section on the top of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. It has the outstanding effect that it can approximate to the shape in which the convex part was formed.

請求項11に記載の製版方法によれば、断面略台形状の土台部の上部に形成される凸部の断面形状を、矩形状により近づけることができる、という優れた効果を有する。   According to the plate making method of the eleventh aspect, there is an excellent effect that the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion formed on the upper portion of the base portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross section can be made closer to a rectangular shape.

以下、本発明の実施形態に係る製版装置11の構成について説明する。   Hereinafter, the configuration of the plate making apparatus 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

ここで、本実施形態の製版装置は露光装置を備えている。この露光装置は、露光ヘッドから射出された複数の光ビーム(本実施形態では2本のレーザビーム)で記録媒体(記録プレートF)を走査することにより、記録媒体を彫刻する。露光ヘッドは、各々光ビームを射出する複数の光ファイバ端部が配列された複数の光ファイバ端部群と、複数の前記光ファイバ端部群から射出した複数の光ビームを記録媒体の表面又は表面近傍に結像させる結像手段と、を備えている。複数の光ファイバ端部群は、第一結像位置に光ビームが結像する第一光ファイバ端部群と、第一結像位置よりも記録媒体の表面から深い第二結像位置に光ビームが結像する第二光ファイバ端部群と、を少なくとも有している。そして、第一光ファイバ端部群から射出された光ビームで記録媒体を走査して第一深度まで彫刻した後、同一走査線上を第二光ファイバ端部群から射出された光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度まで彫刻する。   Here, the plate making apparatus of this embodiment includes an exposure apparatus. This exposure apparatus engraves the recording medium by scanning the recording medium (recording plate F) with a plurality of light beams (two laser beams in the present embodiment) emitted from the exposure head. The exposure head includes a plurality of optical fiber end groups in which a plurality of optical fiber end portions each emitting a light beam are arranged, and a plurality of light beams emitted from the plurality of optical fiber end group groups on the surface of the recording medium or Imaging means for imaging near the surface. The plurality of optical fiber end groups includes a first optical fiber end group in which a light beam forms an image at a first image forming position, and a light at a second image forming position deeper from the surface of the recording medium than the first image forming position. And at least a second optical fiber end group on which the beam is imaged. After scanning the recording medium with the light beam emitted from the first optical fiber end group and engraving to the first depth, the same scanning line is scanned with the light beam emitted from the second optical fiber end group. Sculpture to a second depth deeper than the first depth.

また、製版装置11は、外周面に記録プレートF(記録媒体)が装着されたドラム50を主走査方向に回転させると共に、記録プレートFに彫刻(記録)すべき画像の画像データに応じた複数のレーザビーム同時に射出しつつ、所定ピッチで露光ヘッド30を主走査方向と直交する副走査方向に走査させることで、2次元画像を記録プレートに高速で彫刻(記録)し、凸版印刷版を製版する。また、狭い領域(細線や網点など)を残す場合は記録プレートFを浅彫りし(精密彫刻)、広い領域を残す場合は記録プレートFを深彫りする(粗彫り)。   Further, the plate making apparatus 11 rotates a drum 50 having a recording plate F (recording medium) mounted on the outer peripheral surface in the main scanning direction, and a plurality of images corresponding to image data of an image to be engraved (recorded) on the recording plate F. The two-dimensional image is engraved (recorded) on the recording plate at a high speed by scanning the exposure head 30 at a predetermined pitch in the sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction while simultaneously emitting the laser beam, and making the relief printing plate To do. Further, when leaving a narrow area (thin lines, halftone dots, etc.), the recording plate F is shallowly engraved (precision engraving), and when leaving a wide area, the recording plate F is deeply engraved (coarse engraving).

図1は、製版装置11を示す概略構成図(斜視図)である。この図1に示すように、製版装置11は、レーザビームによって彫刻され画像が記録される記録プレートFが装着され且つ記録プレートFが主走査方向に移動するように図1矢印R方向に回転駆動されるドラム50と、露光装置としてのレーザ記録装置10とを含んで構成されている。レーザ記録装置10は、複数のレーザビームを生成するファイバーアレイ光源としての光源ユニット20と、光源ユニット20で生成された複数のレーザビームを記録プレートFに露光する露光ヘッド30と、露光ヘッド30を副走査方向に沿って移動させる露光ヘッド移動部40と、を含んで構成されている。なお、ドラム50の回転方向Rが主走査方向とされ、矢印Sで示すドラム50の軸方向(長手方向)に沿って露光ヘッド30が移動する方向(詳細は後述する)が副走査方向とされる。   FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram (perspective view) showing a plate making apparatus 11. As shown in FIG. 1, the plate making apparatus 11 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 1 so that a recording plate F on which an image is recorded by engraving with a laser beam is mounted and the recording plate F moves in the main scanning direction. And a laser recording apparatus 10 as an exposure apparatus. The laser recording apparatus 10 includes a light source unit 20 as a fiber array light source that generates a plurality of laser beams, an exposure head 30 that exposes a plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit 20 onto a recording plate F, and an exposure head 30. And an exposure head moving unit 40 that moves along the sub-scanning direction. The rotation direction R of the drum 50 is the main scanning direction, and the direction (details will be described later) in which the exposure head 30 moves along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the drum 50 indicated by the arrow S is the sub-scanning direction. The

光源ユニット20には、各々光ファイバ22A、22Bの一端部が個別にカップリングされたブロードエリア半導体レーザによって構成された各32個の半導体レーザ21A,21B(合計64個)と、半導体レーザ21A,21Bが表面に配置された光源基板24A,24Bと、光源基板24A,24Bの一端部に垂直に取り付けられると共にSC型光コネクタ25A、25Bのアダプタが複数(半導体レーザ21A,21Bと同数)設けられたアダプタ基板23A,23Bと、光源基板24A,24Bの他端部に水平に取り付けられると共に記録プレートFに彫刻(記録)する画像の画像データに応じて半導体レーザ21A,21Bを駆動するLDドライバー回路26(図6参照)が設けられたLDドライバー基板27A,27Bと、が備えられている。   The light source unit 20 includes 32 semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B (64 in total) each composed of a broad area semiconductor laser in which one end portions of the optical fibers 22A and 22B are individually coupled, and the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21A, Light source boards 24A and 24B having 21B disposed on the surface, and a plurality of adapters for SC type optical connectors 25A and 25B (the same number as semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B) are provided at one end of the light source boards 24A and 24B. LD driver circuit for horizontally driving the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B according to the image data of the image to be engraved (recorded) on the recording plate F while being horizontally attached to the other end portions of the adapter substrates 23A and 23B and the light source substrates 24A and 24B. LD driver boards 27A and 27B provided with a reference numeral 26 (see FIG. 6), It is gills.

各光ファイバ22A,22Bの他端部には各々SC型光コネクタ25A、25Bが設けられており、SC型光コネクタ25A、25Bはアダプタ基板25A,25Bに接続されている。したがって、各半導体レーザ21A,21Bから射出されたレーザビームは、それぞれ光ファイバ22A、22Bによってアダプタ基板23A,23Bに接続されているSC型光コネクタ25A、25Bに伝送される。   SC optical connectors 25A and 25B are provided at the other ends of the optical fibers 22A and 22B, respectively. The SC optical connectors 25A and 25B are connected to the adapter boards 25A and 25B. Therefore, the laser beams emitted from the respective semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B are transmitted to the SC type optical connectors 25A and 25B connected to the adapter boards 23A and 23B through the optical fibers 22A and 22B, respectively.

また、LDドライバー基板27A,27Bに設けられているLDドライバー回路26における半導体レーザ21A,21Bの駆動用信号の出力端子は、半導体レーザ21A,21Bに個別に接続されており、各半導体レーザ21A,21BはLDドライバー回路26(図6参照)によって各々個別に駆動が制御される。   In addition, output terminals for driving signals of the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B in the LD driver circuit 26 provided on the LD driver substrates 27A and 27B are individually connected to the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B. The driving of 21B is individually controlled by the LD driver circuit 26 (see FIG. 6).

一方、露光ヘッド30には、複数の半導体レーザ21A,21Bから射出された各レーザビームを取り纏めて射出するファイバーアレイ部300(図2参照)が備えられている。このファイバーアレイ部300には、各々アダプタ基板23A,23Bに接続されたSC型光コネクタ25A,25Bに接続された複数の光ファイバ70A,70Bによって、各半導体レーザ21A,21Bから射出されたレーザビームが伝送される。   On the other hand, the exposure head 30 is provided with a fiber array unit 300 (see FIG. 2) that collectively emits laser beams emitted from the plurality of semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B. The fiber array unit 300 includes laser beams emitted from the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B by a plurality of optical fibers 70A and 70B connected to SC type optical connectors 25A and 25B respectively connected to adapter boards 23A and 23B. Is transmitted.

図3には、ファイバーアレイ部300の露光部280(図2参照)を図1に示す矢印A方向に見た図が示されている。この図3に示すように、ファイバーアレイ部300の露光部280は、2枚の基台302A、302Bを有している。基台302A,302Bには各々片面に半導体レーザ21A,21Bと同数、すなわち夫々32個のV字溝282A,282Bが所定の間隔で隣接するように形成されている。そして、基台302A、302Bは、V字溝282A,282Bが対向するように配置されている。   FIG. 3 shows a view of the exposure unit 280 (see FIG. 2) of the fiber array unit 300 viewed in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the exposure unit 280 of the fiber array unit 300 has two bases 302A and 302B. The bases 302A and 302B are formed on one side so that the same number of semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B, that is, 32 V-shaped grooves 282A and 282B are adjacent to each other at a predetermined interval. The bases 302A and 302B are arranged so that the V-shaped grooves 282A and 282B face each other.

基台302Aの各V字溝282Aには、光ファイバ70Aの他端部の光ファイバ端部71Aが1本ずつ嵌め込まれている。同様に基台302Bの各V字溝282Bに各光ファイバ70Bの他端部の光ファイバ端部71Bが1本ずつ嵌め込まれている。したがって、ファイバーアレイ部300の露光部280から、各半導体レーザ21A,21Bから射出された複数、本実施形態では64本(32本×2)のレーザビームが同時に射出される。   One optical fiber end 71A at the other end of the optical fiber 70A is fitted into each V-shaped groove 282A of the base 302A. Similarly, one optical fiber end 71B at the other end of each optical fiber 70B is fitted into each V-shaped groove 282B of the base 302B. Therefore, from the exposure unit 280 of the fiber array unit 300, a plurality of laser beams emitted from the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B, in this embodiment, 64 (32 × 2) are emitted simultaneously.

すなわち、本実施の形態のファイバーアレイ部300は、複数(本実施形態では32本×2=合計64個)の光ファイバ端部71A、72Bが所定方向に沿った直線状に配置されて構成された光ファイバ端部群301A,301Bが、上記所定方向と直交する方向に平行に2列設けられて構成されている。   That is, the fiber array unit 300 of the present embodiment is configured by arranging a plurality (32 in the present embodiment × 2 = 64 in total) of optical fiber end portions 71A and 72B in a straight line along a predetermined direction. The optical fiber end groups 301A and 301B are configured to be provided in two rows in parallel to a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

そして、図1及び図3に示すように、本実施形態に係るレーザ記録装置10では、以上のように構成されたファイバーアレイ部300(露光ヘッド30)が、上記所定方向が副走査方向に対して傾斜された状態とされている。また、図3と図4とに示すように、ファイバーアレイ部300を主走査方向に見て、副走査方向に光ファイバ端部群301Aと光ファイバ端部群301Bとが重ならないで並ぶように配設されている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, in the laser recording apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the fiber array unit 300 (exposure head 30) configured as described above has the predetermined direction with respect to the sub-scanning direction. And inclined. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when the fiber array unit 300 is viewed in the main scanning direction, the optical fiber end group 301A and the optical fiber end group 301B are arranged without overlapping in the sub scanning direction. It is arranged.

図1に示すように、露光ヘッド30には、ファイバーアレイ部300側より、コリメータレンズ32、開口部材33、及び結像レンズ34が、順番に並んで配列されている。なお、開口部材33は、ファイバーアレイ部300側から見て、開口がファーフィールド(far field)の位置となるように配置されている。これによって、ファイバーアレイ部300における複数の光ファイバ70A,70Bの光ファイバ端部71A,71Bから射出された全てのレーザビームに対して同等の光量制限効果を与えることができる。   As shown in FIG. 1, in the exposure head 30, a collimator lens 32, an aperture member 33, and an imaging lens 34 are arranged in order from the fiber array unit 300 side. The opening member 33 is arranged so that the opening is positioned at the far field as viewed from the fiber array unit 300 side. As a result, the same light quantity limiting effect can be given to all laser beams emitted from the optical fiber end portions 71A and 71B of the plurality of optical fibers 70A and 70B in the fiber array unit 300.

なお、本実施の形態では、レーザビームを高出力とするために、コア径の比較的大きな多モード光ファイバを光ファイバ22A,22Bに適用している。具体的には、本実施形態においては、コア径が105μmとされている。また、半導体レーザ21A,21Bは最大出力が8.5w(6397−L3)を使用している。また、光ファイバ70A、70Bのコア径は105μmとされている。   In the present embodiment, a multimode optical fiber having a relatively large core diameter is applied to the optical fibers 22A and 22B in order to increase the output of the laser beam. Specifically, in this embodiment, the core diameter is 105 μm. The semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B use 8.5w (6397-L3) as the maximum output. The core diameters of the optical fibers 70A and 70B are set to 105 μm.

図8に示すように、コリメータレンズ32及び結像レンズ34で構成される結像手段によって、レーザビームは記録プレートFの露光面(表面)FAの近傍に結像される(開口部材33は図8では図示略)また、光ファイバ端部群301A(光ファイバー端部71A)の前には、結像位置変更手段としての透明な板状の結像位置シフト部材350が配設されている。これにより、光ファイバ端部群301A(光ファイバー端部71A)から射出されたレーザビームLAの結像位置が露光面FA側にシフトされている。なお、レーザビームLAの結像位置を第一結像位置X1とし、レーザビームLBの結像位置を第二結像位置X2とする。   As shown in FIG. 8, the laser beam is imaged in the vicinity of the exposure surface (front surface) FA of the recording plate F by the imaging means composed of the collimator lens 32 and the imaging lens 34 (the opening member 33 is shown in FIG. 8). In addition, a transparent plate-like imaging position shift member 350 as an imaging position changing means is disposed in front of the optical fiber end group 301A (optical fiber end 71A). Thereby, the imaging position of the laser beam LA emitted from the optical fiber end group 301A (optical fiber end 71A) is shifted to the exposure surface FA side. The imaging position of the laser beam LA is defined as a first imaging position X1, and the imaging position of the laser beam LB is defined as a second imaging position X2.

図4に示すように、光ファイバ端部群301Aの端の光ファイバ端部71ATの次に光ファイバ端部群301Bの端の光ファイバ端部71BTが並ぶ構成とされている(図3も参照)。なお、図4では判りやすくするため、光ファイバ端部71A,71Bの数を実際よりも少なく図示している。   As shown in FIG. 4, an optical fiber end 71BT at the end of the optical fiber end group 301B is arranged next to the optical fiber end 71AT at the end of the optical fiber end group 301A (see also FIG. 3). ). In FIG. 4, the number of the optical fiber end portions 71 </ b> A and 71 </ b> B is smaller than the actual number for easy understanding.

図5に示すように、レーザビームによって彫刻され画像が記録される記録プレートFは、矢印R方向に回転駆動されるドラム50の外周面に装着されている。なお、ドラム50の回転軸方向を長手方向とした帯状とされたチャック部材98によって、ドラム50の外周面に記録プレートFが装着される。より詳しく説明すると、記録プレートFの端部FT同士の合わせ部分の上を押さえるようにドラム50にチャック部材98を取り付けることで、記録プレートFがドラム50の外周面に装着される。なお、このチャック部材98部分は、非記録領域とされる。   As shown in FIG. 5, a recording plate F on which an image is recorded by engraving with a laser beam is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of a drum 50 that is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow R. The recording plate F is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 50 by a belt-like chuck member 98 whose longitudinal direction is the rotation axis direction of the drum 50. More specifically, the recording plate F is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 50 by attaching the chuck member 98 to the drum 50 so as to press the upper portion of the end portion FT of the recording plate F. The chuck member 98 is a non-recording area.

図1と図5とに示すように、露光ヘッド移動部40には、長手方向が副走査方向に沿うように配置されたボールネジ41及び2本のレール42(図1参照)が備えられており、ボールネジ41を回転駆動する副走査モータ43を作動させることによって、露光ヘッド30が設けられた台座部310をレール42に案内された状態で副走査方向に移動させることができる。また、ドラム50は主走査モータ51(図6参照)を作動させることによって、図1の矢印R方向に回転させることができ、これによって主走査がなされる。なお、露光ヘッド30は、台座部310の上に、設けられている。   As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the exposure head moving unit 40 includes a ball screw 41 and two rails 42 (see FIG. 1) arranged so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the sub-scanning direction. By operating the sub-scanning motor 43 that rotationally drives the ball screw 41, the pedestal portion 310 provided with the exposure head 30 can be moved in the sub-scanning direction while being guided by the rails 42. Further, the drum 50 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. 1 by operating a main scanning motor 51 (see FIG. 6), whereby main scanning is performed. The exposure head 30 is provided on the pedestal portion 310.

また、本実施形態においては、前述したように一度に64本のレーザビームLA,LBで露光し走査する。   In the present embodiment, as described above, exposure and scanning are performed with 64 laser beams LA and LB at a time.

次に、本実施形態に係る製版装置11(図1参照)の制御系の構成について説明する。   Next, the configuration of the control system of the plate making apparatus 11 (see FIG. 1) according to the present embodiment will be described.

図6に示すように、製版装置11の制御系は、画像データに応じて各半導体レーザ21A,21Bを駆動するLDドライバー回路26と、主走査モータ51を駆動する主走査モータ駆動回路81と、副走査モータ43を駆動する副走査モータ駆動回路82と、アクチュエータ304を駆動するアクチュエータ駆動回路299と、主走査モータ駆動回路81・副走査モータ駆動回路82・アクチュエータ駆動回路を制御する制御回路80と、を備えている。制御回路80には、記録プレートFに彫刻(記録)する画像を示す画像データが供給される。   As shown in FIG. 6, the control system of the plate making apparatus 11 includes an LD driver circuit 26 that drives the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B according to image data, a main scanning motor drive circuit 81 that drives the main scanning motor 51, and A sub-scanning motor driving circuit 82 for driving the sub-scanning motor 43; an actuator driving circuit 299 for driving the actuator 304; a main scanning motor driving circuit 81; a sub-scanning motor driving circuit 82; a control circuit 80 for controlling the actuator driving circuit; It is equipped with. Image data representing an image to be engraved (recorded) on the recording plate F is supplied to the control circuit 80.

次に、以上のように構成された製版装置11(図1参照)によって、記録プレートFに彫刻(記録)する工程の概要について説明する。なお、図7は、製版装置11によって画像記録を行なう際の処理の流れを示すフローチャートである。   Next, an outline of the process of engraving (recording) on the recording plate F by the plate making apparatus 11 (see FIG. 1) configured as described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when image recording is performed by the plate making apparatus 11.

図7に示すように、まず、記録プレートFに彫刻(記録)する画像の画像データを一時的に記憶する不図示の画像メモリから制御回路80に転送する(ステップ100)。制御回路80は、転送されてきた画像データ、及び記録画像の予め定められた解像度を示す解像度データ、浅彫り及び深彫りのいずれかを示すデータに基づいて、調整された信号をLDドライバー回路26、主走査モータ駆動回路81、副走査モータ駆動回路82、アクチュエータ駆動回路299に供給する。   As shown in FIG. 7, first, image data of an image to be engraved (recorded) on the recording plate F is transferred from the image memory (not shown) temporarily stored to the control circuit 80 (step 100). The control circuit 80 sends the adjusted signal to the LD driver circuit 26 based on the transferred image data, the resolution data indicating the predetermined resolution of the recorded image, and the data indicating one of shallow engraving and deep engraving. The main scanning motor driving circuit 81, the sub scanning motor driving circuit 82, and the actuator driving circuit 299 are supplied.

次に、主走査モータ駆動回路81は、制御回路80から供給された信号に基づいて回転速度でドラム50を図1矢印R方向に回転させるように主走査モータ51を制御する(ステップ102)。   Next, the main scanning motor drive circuit 81 controls the main scanning motor 51 so as to rotate the drum 50 in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 1 based on the signal supplied from the control circuit 80 (step 102).

副走査モータ駆動回路82は、副走査モータ43による露光ヘッド30の副走査方向に対する送り間隔を設定する(ステップ104)。   The sub-scanning motor drive circuit 82 sets a feed interval in the sub-scanning direction of the exposure head 30 by the sub-scanning motor 43 (step 104).

次いで、LDドライバー回路26は、画像データに応じて各半導体レーザ21A,21Bの駆動を制御する(ステップ106)。   Next, the LD driver circuit 26 controls driving of the semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B according to the image data (step 106).

各半導体レーザ21A,21Bから射出されたレーザビームは、光ファイバ22A,22B、SC型光コネクタ25A、25B、及び光ファイバ70A,70Bを介してファイバーアレイ部300の光ファイバ端部71A,71Bから射出され、図1と図8に示すように、コリメータレンズ32によって略平行光束とされた後、開口部材33によって光量が制限され、結像レンズ34を介してドラム50上の記録プレートFの露光面FAの近傍に結像される(集光される)。   Laser beams emitted from the respective semiconductor lasers 21A and 21B are transmitted from the optical fiber end portions 71A and 71B of the fiber array section 300 through the optical fibers 22A and 22B, the SC type optical connectors 25A and 25B, and the optical fibers 70A and 70B. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, after being collimated by the collimator lens 32, the light quantity is limited by the opening member 33, and the recording plate F on the drum 50 is exposed through the imaging lens 34. An image is formed (condensed) in the vicinity of the surface FA.

この場合、記録プレートFには、各半導体レーザ21から射出されたレーザビームLA,LBに応じてビームスポットが形成される。これらのビームスポットにより、露光ヘッド30が前述したステップ104で設定された送り間隔のピッチで副走査方向に送られると共に、前述したステップ102により開始されたドラム50の回転によって、解像度が解像度データによって示される解像度となる2次元画像が、記録プレートF上に彫刻(形成)される(ステップ108)。   In this case, beam spots are formed on the recording plate F in accordance with the laser beams LA and LB emitted from the respective semiconductor lasers 21. With these beam spots, the exposure head 30 is fed in the sub-scanning direction at the pitch of the feed interval set in step 104 described above, and the resolution is determined by the resolution data by the rotation of the drum 50 started in step 102 described above. A two-dimensional image having the resolution shown is engraved (formed) on the recording plate F (step 108).

なお、記録プレートF上への2次元画像の彫刻(記録)が終了すると、主走査モータ駆動回路81は主走査モータ51の回転駆動を停止し(ステップ110)、その後に本処理を終了する。   When the engraving (recording) of the two-dimensional image on the recording plate F is completed, the main scanning motor drive circuit 81 stops the rotation driving of the main scanning motor 51 (step 110), and then the present process ends.

つぎに、ステップ108におけるレーザビームLA,LBの光パワー制御について説明しつつ、本実施形態の作用及び効果について説明する。   Next, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described while describing the optical power control of the laser beams LA and LB in step 108.

なお、図4に示すように、光ファイバ端部群301Aと光ファイバ端部群301Bとを主走査方向に見ると、光ファイバ端部71A,71Bの間隔、すなわち走査線Kの間隔(画素ピッチ)が10.58μm(解像度2400dpi)とされている。換言すると、1画素は10.58μmとされている。   As shown in FIG. 4, when the optical fiber end group 301A and the optical fiber end group 301B are viewed in the main scanning direction, the distance between the optical fiber end parts 71A and 71B, that is, the distance between the scanning lines K (pixel pitch). ) Is 10.58 μm (resolution: 2400 dpi). In other words, one pixel is 10.58 μm.

本実施形態の製版装置11は、狭い領域を彫刻(細線や網点などの精密彫刻)する場合などは記録プレートFを浅彫りし、広い領域を彫刻する場合などは記録プレートFを深彫りする。   The plate making apparatus 11 according to this embodiment engraves the recording plate F when engraving a narrow area (precision engraving such as fine lines and halftone dots), and deeply engraves the recording plate F when engraving a wide area. .

具体的には、浅彫りの場合は、レーザビームの出力(パワー)を下げて、主に光ファイバ70A(光ファイバ端部群301A)の光ファイバ端部71Aから射出されたレーザビームLAで走査して彫刻する。   Specifically, in the case of shallow carving, the output (power) of the laser beam is lowered, and scanning is performed with the laser beam LA emitted mainly from the optical fiber end 71A of the optical fiber 70A (optical fiber end group 301A). And sculpt.

一方、深彫り時には、レーザビームの出力(パワー)を上げ、まず光ファイバ70A(光ファイバ端部群301A)の光ファイバ端部71Aから射出されたレーザビームLAで第一深度L1まで彫刻したのち、同一走査線K(図6参照)上を光ファイバ70B(光ファイバ端部群301Bの光ファイバ端部71Bから射出されたレーザビームLBで第二深度L2まで彫刻する。なお、本実施形態では、第一深度L1は250μm、第二深度L2は500μmとされている。   On the other hand, at the time of deep engraving, the output (power) of the laser beam is increased, and after first engraving to the first depth L1 with the laser beam LA emitted from the optical fiber end 71A of the optical fiber 70A (optical fiber end group 301A). The same scanning line K (see FIG. 6) is engraved to the second depth L2 with the laser beam LB emitted from the optical fiber end portion 71B of the optical fiber end group 301B. The first depth L1 is 250 μm, and the second depth L2 is 500 μm.

この深彫り時おいて、図9に示すように、記録プレートFを(凸状に残す)領域Wを形成する場合について説明する。また、領域Wは、主走査方向に沿った断面が、断面略代形状の土台部Dの上部(上底の上に)に断面矩形状の凸細線Pが形成された形状とされている。なお、記録プレートFを凸状に残す領域Wの上部を構成する凸細線Pの走査方向上流側の上流側端部PAを上流側基準位置とし、走査方向下流側の下流側端部PBを上流側基準位置とする。また、凸細線Pは副走査方向を長手方向とされている。   A case where the recording plate F is formed with a region W (leaving a convex shape) as shown in FIG. 9 during the deep engraving will be described. In the region W, the cross section along the main scanning direction has a shape in which a convex thin line P having a rectangular cross section is formed on the upper portion (on the upper base) of the base D having a substantially cross sectional shape. The upstream end PA on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex thin line P that forms the upper part of the region W where the recording plate F remains convex is used as the upstream reference position, and the downstream end PB on the downstream side in the scanning direction is the upstream. Set as the side reference position. Further, the convex thin line P has a longitudinal direction in the sub-scanning direction.

なお、本実施形態では、レーザビームLAの光パワーP1とレーザビームLBの光パワーP2とは同じとされている。しかし、これに限らない(レーザビームLAの光パワーP1とレーザビームLBの光パワーP2とが異なっていてもよい)。   In the present embodiment, the optical power P1 of the laser beam LA and the optical power P2 of the laser beam LB are the same. However, the present invention is not limited to this (the optical power P1 of the laser beam LA and the optical power P2 of the laser beam LB may be different).

ここで、図9に示す領域Wを形成する光パワー制御について、図10と図11を用いて説明する。なお、図10(A)はレーザビームLAでの彫刻を模式的に示す説明図であり、(B)はレーザビームLAの光パワー制御を示すグラフである。同様に、図11(A)はレーザビームLBでの彫刻を模式的に示す説明図であり、(B)はレーザビームLBの光パワー制御を示すグラフである。   Here, the optical power control for forming the region W shown in FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing engraving with the laser beam LA, and FIG. 10B is a graph showing optical power control of the laser beam LA. Similarly, FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing engraving with the laser beam LB, and FIG. 11B is a graph showing optical power control of the laser beam LB.

図10に示すように、レーザビームLAで記録プレートFを所定の画素ピッチ(本実施形態では、10.58μmピッチ)で走査して第一深度L1で彫刻する。このとき、上流側基準位置(PA)から走査方向上流側にm画素離れた第一深度L1における第一ポイントQ1と、記録プレートFの表面FAにおける上流側基準位置(PA)から走査方向下流側にn画素離れた第二ポイントQ2と、を結ぶ線分に沿って、第一ポイントQ1又はその近傍からレーザビームLAの光パワーをP1から線形状又は略線形状に下げていき、上流側基準位置(PA)又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする(本実施形態では露光をオフする(光パワーを0とする))。つまり、レーザビームLAの光パワーを第一ポイントQ1又はその近傍から下げ始め、上流側基準位置(PA)又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。   As shown in FIG. 10, the recording plate F is scanned with a laser beam LA at a predetermined pixel pitch (in this embodiment, 10.58 μm pitch) and engraved at the first depth L1. At this time, the first point Q1 at the first depth L1 that is m pixels away from the upstream reference position (PA) in the scanning direction, and the upstream reference position (PA) on the surface FA of the recording plate F in the scanning direction downstream. The optical power of the laser beam LA is lowered from P1 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape from the first point Q1 or the vicinity thereof along a line connecting the second point Q2 that is n pixels away from The engraving threshold energy is set to be equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at or near the position (PA) (in this embodiment, exposure is turned off (light power is set to 0)). That is, the optical power of the laser beam LA starts to decrease from the first point Q1 or the vicinity thereof, and is made equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at the upstream reference position (PA) or the vicinity thereof.

なお、彫刻閾値エネルギーとは、記録プレートFの表面を彫刻するために必要なレーザビームのエネルギーとされ、この彫刻閾値エネルギーよりも大きなエネルギーでないと記録プレートFを彫刻することができない。換言すると、彫刻閾値エネルギー以下であると、レーザビームが照射されていても記録プレートFの表面は彫刻されない。なお、この彫刻閾値エネルギーは記録プレートFに種類(材質など)によって異なる。   The engraving threshold energy is energy of a laser beam necessary for engraving the surface of the recording plate F, and the recording plate F cannot be engraved unless the energy is larger than the engraving threshold energy. In other words, if the energy is below the engraving threshold energy, the surface of the recording plate F is not engraved even when the laser beam is irradiated. The engraving threshold energy differs depending on the type (material, etc.) of the recording plate F.

凸細線Pにおける走査方向幅を彫刻閾値エネルギー以下として(本実施形態では露光をオフして)走査したのち、下流側基準位置又はその近傍からレーザビームLAの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上として(本実施形態では露光をオンして)、線形状又は略線形状に上げられて第五ポイントQ5又はその近傍でP1とする。このとき、下流側基準位置(PB)から走査方向下流側にm画素離れた第一深度L1における第五ポイントQ5と、記録プレートFの表面FAにおける下流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にn画素離れた第六ポイントQ6と、を結ぶ線分に沿って、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げていく。   After scanning with the scanning direction width of the convex thin line P being equal to or less than the engraving threshold energy (with the exposure turned off in this embodiment), the optical power of the laser beam LA is set to be equal to or greater than the engraving threshold energy from the downstream reference position or the vicinity thereof. In the embodiment, the exposure is turned on), and is raised to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and is set to P1 at or near the fifth point Q5. At this time, the fifth point Q5 at the first depth L1, which is m pixels away from the downstream reference position (PB) in the scanning direction, and n pixels upstream from the downstream reference position in the surface FA of the recording plate F. The optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape along a segment connecting the sixth point Q6 that is far away.

つぎに、図11に示すように、レーザビームLBで記録プレートFを所定の画素ピッチで走査して第二深度L2で彫刻する。このとき、上流側基準位置(PA)から走査方向上流側に(2m+n)画素離れた第二深度L2における第三ポイントQ3と第一ポイントQ1とを結ぶ線分に沿って、第三ポイントQ3又はその近傍からレーザビームLBの光パワーをP2から線形状又は略線形状に下げていき、第一ポイントQ1又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする(本実施形態では露光をオフする(光パワーを0とする))。つまり、レーザビームLBの光パワーを第三ポイントQ3又はその近傍から下げ始め、第一ポイントQ1又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。   Next, as shown in FIG. 11, the recording plate F is scanned with the laser beam LB at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved at the second depth L2. At this time, along the line connecting the third point Q3 and the first point Q1 at the second depth L2, which is (2m + n) pixels away from the upstream reference position (PA) in the scanning direction upstream, the third point Q3 or The optical power of the laser beam LB is lowered from P2 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape from the vicinity thereof, and is set to be equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at or near the first point Q1 (in this embodiment, the exposure is turned off (the optical power is reduced). 0)). That is, the optical power of the laser beam LB starts to decrease from the third point Q3 or the vicinity thereof, and is made equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at the first point Q1 or the vicinity thereof.

凸細線Pにおける走査方向幅を彫刻閾値エネルギー以下として(本実施形態では露光をオフして)走査したのち、第五ポイントQ5又はその近傍からレーザビームLBの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上として(本実施形態では露光をオンして)、線形状又は略線形状に上げていき、第七ポイントQ7又はその近傍でP2とする。このとき、第二深度L2における下流側基準位置(PB)から走査方向下流側に(2m+n)画素離れた第七ポイントQ7と第五ポイントQ5とを結ぶ線分に沿って線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げていく。   After scanning with the scanning direction width of the convex thin line P being equal to or less than the engraving threshold energy (in this embodiment, with the exposure turned off), the optical power of the laser beam LB is set to be equal to or greater than the engraving threshold energy from the fifth point Q5 or in the vicinity thereof. In the embodiment, the exposure is turned on), and is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and is set to P2 at or near the seventh point Q7. At this time, a linear shape or a substantially linear shape along a line segment connecting the seventh point Q7 and the fifth point Q5, which are separated by (2m + n) pixels downstream in the scanning direction from the downstream reference position (PB) at the second depth L2. Increase the optical power.

このような光パワー制御を行なうことで、記録プレートFを二回走査して彫刻する場合においても、凸状に残す領域Wが断面略台形状の土台部Dの上部に断面略矩形状の凸細線部Pが形成された形状に近づけられる。また、断面略台形状の土台部Dの走査方向上流側傾斜面DAが略直線状となる。同様に、断面略台形状の土台部Dの走査方向下流側傾斜面DBが略直線状となる。換言すると、レーザビームLAで彫刻した土台部の傾斜面にレーザビームLBで彫刻した土台部の傾斜面が略直線状につながる。   By performing such optical power control, even when the recording plate F is scanned twice and engraved, the region W to be left in a convex shape is a convex portion having a substantially rectangular cross section on the base D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. It can be brought close to the shape in which the thin line portion P is formed. In addition, the inclined surface DA on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the base D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section is substantially linear. Similarly, the downstream inclined surface DB in the scanning direction of the base D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section is substantially linear. In other words, the inclined surface of the base portion engraved with the laser beam LB is connected to the inclined surface of the base portion engraved with the laser beam LA in a substantially straight line shape.

よって、製版後の記録プレートF(印刷版)で印刷する場合、印刷物に押し付ける力によって印刷濃度が変化したり、細線やハイライトの点がうまく印刷できなかったりすることが防止又は抑制され、明瞭な印刷がなされる。   Therefore, when printing on the recording plate F (printing plate) after plate making, it is prevented or suppressed that the printing density changes due to the pressing force on the printed matter, or fine lines and highlight points cannot be printed well, which is clear. Printing is done.

なお、本実施形態では、P1=P2であるので、第一ポイントQ1及び第七ポイントQ7は、上流側基準位置(PA)又は下流側流側基準位置(PB)から(2m+n)画素離れた位置とされていた。しかし、P1とP2とが異なる場合は、(2m+n)に(P2/P1)を乗じた(掛けた)値、すなわち、第一ポイントQ1又は第七ポイントQ7は、上流側基準位置又は下流側基準位置から、(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた位置とすればよい。   In this embodiment, since P1 = P2, the first point Q1 and the seventh point Q7 are positions separated by (2m + n) pixels from the upstream side reference position (PA) or the downstream side flow side reference position (PB). It was said. However, when P1 and P2 are different, the value obtained by multiplying (2m + n) by (P2 / P1), that is, the first point Q1 or the seventh point Q7 is the upstream reference position or the downstream reference position. The position may be a position away from the position by (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels.

つぎに、「n」と「m」について説明する。   Next, “n” and “m” will be described.

nは1以上、3以下の整数であることが望ましい。すなわち、nを1以上、3以下の整数とすることで、断面略矩形状の凸細線Pが適当とされる高さに形成される。   n is preferably an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less. That is, by setting n to an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less, the convex thin line P having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed at an appropriate height.

また、mは5以上、30以下の整数であることが望ましい。すなわち、mを5以上、30以下の整数とすることで、断面略台形状とされる土台部Dが適当とされる幅に形成される。   M is preferably an integer of 5 or more and 30 or less. That is, by setting m to an integer of 5 or more and 30 or less, the base portion D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section is formed with an appropriate width.

「凸細線Pが適当とされる高さ」及び「断面略台形状とされる土台部Dが適当とされる幅」とは、製版後の記録プレートF(印刷版)で印刷する場合、印刷物に押し付ける力によって印刷濃度が変化したり、細線やハイライトの点がうまく印刷できなかったりすることがより確実に防止又は抑制され、より明瞭な印刷がなされる「高さ」及び「幅」とされる。   “The height at which the convex fine line P is appropriate” and “the width at which the base portion D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section is appropriate” are printed materials when printing on the recording plate F (printing plate) after plate making. `` Height '' and `` Width '' that more reliably prevent or suppress printing density changes due to the pressing force on the screen, and fine lines and highlight points from being unable to print well, and more clearly printing Is done.

つぎに、凸細線Pの走査方向の幅を所望の幅に近づけると共に、断面矩形状を矩形状に近づけるレーザビームLAの光パワー制御について、図12を用いて説明する。また、図におけるGは、1画素(10.58μm)を示している。   Next, optical power control of the laser beam LA that brings the width of the convex thin line P in the scanning direction closer to a desired width and makes the rectangular cross section close to a rectangular shape will be described with reference to FIG. Further, G in the figure indicates one pixel (10.58 μm).

レーザビームLAの画素露光量信号をオフしても、凸細線Pの上面にまで露光されてしまう。このため、凸細線Pの上面の幅が所望する幅に満たない場合がある。   Even if the pixel exposure amount signal of the laser beam LA is turned off, the upper surface of the convex thin line P is exposed. For this reason, the width | variety of the upper surface of the convex fine wire P may be less than the desired width | variety.

そこで、凸細線Pの走査方向上流側の1画素分もレーザビームLAの画素露光量信号をオフした光パワー制御を行なう。更に、レーザビームLAをオフした走査方向上流側外側の1画素分の光パワーを、第一ポイントQ1と第二ポイントQ2とを結ぶ線分よりも光パワーを上げて彫刻する。   Therefore, optical power control is performed by turning off the pixel exposure amount signal of the laser beam LA for one pixel upstream of the convex thin line P in the scanning direction. Further, the optical power for one pixel on the outer side upstream in the scanning direction with the laser beam LA turned off is engraved with the optical power higher than the line segment connecting the first point Q1 and the second point Q2.

同様に、凸細線Pの走査方向下流側の1画素分もレーザビームLAの画素露光量信号をオフした光パワー制御を行なう。更に、レーザビームLAをオフした走査方向下流側外側の1画素分の光パワーを、第五ポイントQ5と第六ポイントQ6とを結ぶ線分によりも光パワーを上げて彫刻する。   Similarly, optical power control is performed by turning off the pixel exposure amount signal of the laser beam LA for one pixel on the downstream side of the convex thin line P in the scanning direction. Further, the optical power of one pixel on the outer side downstream in the scanning direction with the laser beam LA turned off is engraved with the optical power increased by a line segment connecting the fifth point Q5 and the sixth point Q6.

このような光パワー制御を行なうことで、凸細線Pの上面P5の幅が所望の幅に近づけられると共に、エッジ部(PA、PB)がより立てられる(90°に近づけられる)。つまり、凸細線Pの断面形状が矩形状に近づけられる(凸細線Pが高精密に彫刻される)。よって、製版後の記録プレートFで印刷した印刷物における細線の再現性が向上される。   By performing such optical power control, the width of the upper surface P5 of the convex thin line P can be made closer to a desired width, and the edge portions (PA, PB) can be further raised (closer to 90 °). That is, the cross-sectional shape of the convex fine line P is brought close to a rectangular shape (the convex fine line P is engraved with high precision). Therefore, the reproducibility of fine lines in the printed matter printed on the recording plate F after plate making is improved.

ここで、上記制御方法は、レーザビームLAで走査したのち、レーザビームLBを走査したが、これに限定されない。逆に、レーザビームLBで走査したのち、レーザビームLAを走査する場合でも、同様のパワー制御を行なうことで、凸状に残す領域Wが断面略台形状の土台部Dの上部に断面略矩形状の凸細線部Pが形成された形状に近づけられる。   Here, the above control method scans with the laser beam LB after scanning with the laser beam LA, but is not limited to this. On the contrary, even when scanning with the laser beam LB after scanning with the laser beam LB, by performing the same power control, the region W to be left in the convex shape is substantially rectangular in cross section above the base D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. The shape can be made close to the shape in which the convex thin wire portion P is formed.

よって次に、レーザビームLAとレーザビームLBのどちらを先に走査しても、略同じ彫刻形状となることについての説明、すなわち、レーザビームLAとレーザビームLBのどちらを先に走査しても凸状に残す領域Wが断面略台形状の土台部Dの上部に断面略矩形状の凸細線部Pが形成された形状に近づけられることについて説明する。   Therefore, next, an explanation of whether the laser beam LA or the laser beam LB is scanned first will result in substantially the same engraving shape, that is, which of the laser beam LA or the laser beam LB is scanned first. A description will be given of the fact that the region W to be left in the convex shape can be brought close to a shape in which the convex thin line portion P having a substantially rectangular cross section is formed on the base D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section.

図13(A)に示すように、レーザビームLAで彫刻できる深さをd1、図14(A)に示すように、レーザビームLBで彫刻できる深さをd2とする。なお、d1+d2が第二深度L2とされる。   As shown in FIG. 13A, the depth that can be engraved with the laser beam LA is d1, and as shown in FIG. 14A, the depth that can be engraved with the laser beam LB is d2. Note that d1 + d2 is the second depth L2.

図13(B)に示すように、レーザビームLAで走査して彫刻する際には、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にm画素離れた第一ポイントと、記録プレートFの表面FAにおける上流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にn画素離れた第二ポイントと、を結ぶ線分に沿って、第一ポイント又はその近傍からレーザビームLAの光パワーをP1から線形状又は略線形状に下げていき、上流側基準位置又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。つまり、レーザビームLAの光パワーを第一ポイント又はその近傍から下げ始め、上流側基準位置又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。   As shown in FIG. 13B, when engraving by scanning with the laser beam LA, the first point that is m pixels away from the upstream reference position upstream in the scanning direction, and the upstream of the surface FA of the recording plate F The optical power of the laser beam LA is lowered from P1 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape from the first point or its vicinity along a line connecting the second point that is n pixels away from the side reference position downstream in the scanning direction. The engraving threshold energy is set to be equal to or less than the engraving threshold energy at or near the upstream reference position. That is, the optical power of the laser beam LA starts to decrease from the first point or the vicinity thereof, and is made equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at the upstream reference position or the vicinity thereof.

凸細線Pにおける走査方向幅を彫刻閾値エネルギー以下として走査したのち、下流側基準位置又はその近傍からレーザビームLAの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上として、線形状又は略線形状に上げられて第五ポイント又はその近傍でP1とする。このとき、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にm画素離れた第五ポイントと、記録プレートFの表面FAにおける下流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にn画素離れた第六ポイントと、を結ぶ線分に沿って、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げていく。   After scanning with the scanning direction width of the convex thin line P being equal to or less than the engraving threshold energy, the optical power of the laser beam LA is increased to the engraving threshold energy or higher from the downstream reference position or its vicinity to be increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape. Let P1 be at or near the point. At this time, the fifth point separated m pixels downstream from the downstream reference position in the scanning direction is connected to the sixth point separated n pixels upstream from the downstream reference position on the surface FA of the recording plate F in the scanning direction. The optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape along the line segment.

図14(B)に示すように、レーザビームLBで走査して彫刻する際には、上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側に(2m+n)画素離れた第三ポイントと第一ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って、第三ポイント又はその近傍からレーザビームLBの光パワーをP2から線形状又は略線形状に下げていき、第一ポイント又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。つまり、レーザビームLBの光パワーを第三ポイント又はその近傍から下げ始め、第一ポイント又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とする。   As shown in FIG. 14B, when engraving by scanning with the laser beam LB, a line connecting the third point and the first point separated by (2m + n) pixels from the upstream reference position upstream in the scanning direction. In accordance with the minute, the optical power of the laser beam LB is lowered from P2 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape from the third point or the vicinity thereof, and is made equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at the first point or the vicinity thereof. That is, the optical power of the laser beam LB starts to decrease from the third point or the vicinity thereof, and is made equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at the first point or the vicinity thereof.

凸細線Pにおける走査方向幅を彫刻閾値エネルギー以下として走査したのち、第五ポイント又はその近傍からレーザビームLBの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上として、線形状又は略線形状に上げていき、第七ポイント又はその近傍でP2とする。このとき、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側に(2m+n)画素離れた第七ポイントと第五ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げていく。   After scanning with the scanning direction width of the convex thin line P being equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy, the optical power of the laser beam LB is increased from the fifth point or the vicinity thereof to the engraving threshold energy equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy. Let P2 be at or near the point. At this time, the optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape along a line segment connecting the seventh point and the fifth point that are separated by (2m + n) pixels downstream from the downstream reference position in the scanning direction.

ここで、レーザビームLAで走査したのち、レーザビームLBを走査すると、今まで説明した光パワー制御と同じとされる。逆に、レーザビームLBで走査したのち、レーザビームLAを走査する場合でも、図15(C)に示すように、結果的にレーザビームLA及びレーザビームLBのトータルで露光するエネルギーは同じなので、略同じ彫刻形状が得られる。つまり、レーザビームLAとレーザビームLBとをいずれを先に走査露光しても、トータルで露光するエネルギーは同じなので、凸状に残す領域Wが断面略台形状の土台部Dの上部に断面略矩形状の凸細線部Pが形成された形状に近づけられる。なお、図15(A)は凸状に残す領域Wの主査方向に沿った断面形状を模式的に示す図であり、図15(B)は、図13(B)と図14(B)との両方を図示したグラフであり、図15(C)は、レーザビームLAとレーザビームLBとのトータルのエネルギーを示すグラフである。   Here, after scanning with the laser beam LA, scanning with the laser beam LB is the same as the optical power control described so far. Conversely, even when scanning with the laser beam LB after scanning with the laser beam LB, as shown in FIG. 15C, as a result, the total exposure energy of the laser beam LA and the laser beam LB is the same. Substantially the same engraving shape is obtained. That is, no matter which of the laser beam LA and the laser beam LB is scanned and exposed first, since the total exposure energy is the same, the region W to be left in the convex shape is substantially cross-sectionally above the base D having a substantially trapezoidal cross section. The shape is close to the shape in which the rectangular convex thin line portion P is formed. FIG. 15A is a diagram schematically showing a cross-sectional shape along the principal direction of the region W to be left in a convex shape, and FIG. 15B is a diagram of FIGS. 13B and 14B. FIG. 15C is a graph showing the total energy of the laser beam LA and the laser beam LB.

なお、上記説明においては、P1=P2であるので、第一ポイント及び第七ポイントは、上流側基準位置又は下流側流側基準位置から(2m+n)画素離れた位置とされていた。しかし、P1とP2とが異なる場合は、(2m+n)に(P2/P1)を乗じた(掛けた)値、すなわち、第一ポイント又は第七ポイントは、上流側基準位置又は下流側基準位置から、(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた位置とすればよい。   In the above description, since P1 = P2, the first point and the seventh point are positions that are separated by (2m + n) pixels from the upstream side reference position or the downstream side flow side reference position. However, when P1 and P2 are different, a value obtained by multiplying (2m + n) by (P2 / P1), that is, the first point or the seventh point is determined from the upstream reference position or the downstream reference position. , (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels away from each other.

なお、前述したように、彫刻閾値エネルギーとは、記録媒体の表面を彫刻するために必要な光ビームの光エネルギーとされ、この彫刻閾値エネルギーよりも大きなエネルギーでないと記録媒体は彫刻されない。また、彫刻閾値エネルギーは、先行技術には開示されていない技術とされており、これを考慮することで、より微細彫刻が可能とされる。   As described above, the engraving threshold energy is the light energy of a light beam necessary for engraving the surface of the recording medium, and the recording medium is not engraved unless the energy is larger than the engraving threshold energy. The engraving threshold energy is a technique that is not disclosed in the prior art, and by taking this into account, finer engraving is possible.

なお、本発明は上記実施形態に限定されない。   In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

例えば、上記実施形態では、光パワーを制御する領域は、主走査方向の上流側と下流側とに夫々行なったが、上流側及び下流側のいずれか一方側にのみ適用してもよい。   For example, in the above embodiment, the region for controlling the optical power is performed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the main scanning direction, respectively, but may be applied only to either the upstream side or the downstream side.

また、走査方向(主走査方向)の上流側と下流側でなく、副走査方向の上流側と下流側の少なくとも一方側に本発明の光パワー制御を適用してもよい。   Further, the optical power control according to the present invention may be applied to at least one of the upstream side and the downstream side in the sub-scanning direction instead of the upstream side and the downstream side in the scanning direction (main scanning direction).

本発明に係る実施形態の製版装置を示す概略構成図(斜視図)である。1 is a schematic configuration diagram (perspective view) showing a plate making apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. レーザ記録装置のファイバーアレイ部及び光ファイバを示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the fiber array part and optical fiber of a laser recording apparatus. ファイバーアレイ部の露光部を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the exposure part of a fiber array part. 光ファイバ端部の配置位置と走査線とを説明するため説明図である。It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the arrangement position and scanning line of an optical fiber edge part. 製版装置を平面視で見た図である。It is the figure which looked at the plate making apparatus by planar view. 製版装置の制御系の構成を示すブロック図である。It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system of a plate-making apparatus. レーザ記録装置によって画像記録を行なう際の処理の概要を示すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the process at the time of recording an image with a laser recording apparatus. 露光ヘッドの主要部と射出されたレーザビームとを模式的に図示した説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which illustrated typically the principal part of the exposure head, and the emitted laser beam. 凸状に残す領域Wの主査方向に沿った断面形状を模式的に示す図である。It is a figure which shows typically the cross-sectional shape along the chief direction of the area | region W left in convex shape. (A)はレーザビームLAでの彫刻を模式的に示す説明図であり、(B)はレーザビームLAの光パワー制御を示すグラフである(A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically engraving with laser beam LA, (B) is a graph which shows optical power control of laser beam LA. (A)はレーザビームLBでの彫刻を模式的に示す説明図であり、(B)はレーザビームLBの光パワー制御を示すグラフである。(A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically engraving with the laser beam LB, (B) is a graph which shows optical power control of the laser beam LB. レーザビームLAの光パワー制御を示すグラフである。It is a graph which shows optical power control of laser beam LA. (A)はレーザビームLAでの彫刻を模式的に示す説明図であり、(B)はレーザビームLAの光パワー制御を示すグラフである(A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically engraving with laser beam LA, (B) is a graph which shows optical power control of laser beam LA. (A)はレーザビームLBでの彫刻を模式的に示す説明図であり、(B)はレーザビームLBの光パワー制御を示すグラフである。(A) is explanatory drawing which shows typically engraving with the laser beam LB, (B) is a graph which shows optical power control of the laser beam LB. (A)は凸状に残す領域Wの主査方向に沿った断面形状を模式的に示す図であり、(B)はレーザビームLA及びレーザビームLBの光パワー制御を示すグラフであり、(C)はレーザビームLAとレーザビームLBとのトータルのエネルギーを示すグラフである。(A) is a figure which shows typically the cross-sectional shape along the principal direction of the area | region W which remains in convex shape, (B) is a graph which shows optical power control of the laser beam LA and the laser beam LB, (C ) Is a graph showing the total energy of the laser beam LA and the laser beam LB.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10 レーザ記録装置
11 製版装置
20 光源ユニット
30 露光ヘッド
50 ドラム
70A 光ファイバ
70B 光ファイバ
71A 光ファイバ端部
71B 光ファイバ端部
300 ファイバーアレイ部
350 結像位置シフト部材(結像位置変更手段)
LA レーザビーム(第一光ビーム)
LB レーザビーム(第二光ビーム)
F 記録プレート(記録媒体)
FA 露光面(記録媒体の表面)
L1 第一深度
L2 第二深度
K 走査線
W 凸状に残す領域
D 土台部
P 凸細線(凸部)
PA 上流側端部
PB 下流側端部
Q1 第一ポイント
Q2 第二ポイント
Q3 第三ポイント
Q5 第五ポイント
Q6 第六ポイント
Q7 第七ポイント
X1 第一結像位置
X2 第二結像位置
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Laser recording apparatus 11 Plate making apparatus 20 Light source unit 30 Exposure head 50 Drum 70A Optical fiber 70B Optical fiber 71A Optical fiber end part 71B Optical fiber end part 300 Fiber array part 350 Imaging position shift member (imaging position changing means)
LA laser beam (first light beam)
LB laser beam (second light beam)
F Recording plate (recording medium)
FA exposure surface (surface of recording medium)
L1 1st depth L2 2nd depth K Scan line W Area to leave in convex shape D Base part P Convex wire (convex part)
PA upstream end PB downstream end Q1 first point Q2 second point Q3 third point Q5 fifth point Q6 sixth point Q7 seventh point X1 first imaging position X2 second imaging position

Claims (11)

光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版装置であって、
前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、
前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、
前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側の上流側端部を上流側基準位置とすると、
前記第一の光ビームの光パワー制御は、
前記第一の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にm画素離れた第一ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと前記記録媒体の表面における上流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にn画素離れた第二ポイントまで、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、上流側基準位置又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とし、
前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第三ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと第三ポイントまで、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、第一ポイント又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とすることを特徴とする製版装置。
A plate making apparatus for engraving and making a plate by scanning a recording medium with a light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch,
The light beam has a first light beam and a second light beam, the optical power of the first light beam is P1, the optical power of the second light beam is P2, and the depth at which each can be engraved is d1, d2. age,
The recording medium is scanned with the one light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, and then the scanning line scanned by the one light beam is scanned with the other light beam. Engraving to a second depth d1 + d2 deeper than one depth,
When the upstream side end on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex part constituting the upper part of the area where the recording medium remains convex is the upstream reference position,
The optical power control of the first light beam is
When engraving by scanning the recording medium with a predetermined pixel pitch with the first light beam,
From a first point that is m pixels away from the upstream reference position to the upstream side in the scanning direction, or the vicinity thereof, to a second point that is n pixels away from the upstream reference position on the surface of the recording medium and the downstream side in the scanning direction. The optical power of the first light beam is lowered from P1 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and is set to be equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at or near the upstream reference position,
When the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with the second light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch,
The optical power of the second light beam from P2 to the first point and the third point from the third point or its vicinity away from the upstream reference position by (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels upstream in the scanning direction. A plate making apparatus, wherein the engraving threshold energy is lowered to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and the engraving threshold energy is set at or below the first point.
前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、
前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第一ポイントと第二ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げることを特徴とする請求項1に記載の製版装置。
The optical power of the first light beam engraving a partial area or the entire area in the adjacent area adjacent to the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex part that forms the upper part of the area where the surface of the recording medium remains convex. Lower so that the top surface of sculpture is below the engraving threshold energy,
In the proximity region close to the outside in the scanning direction upstream of the adjacent region, the optical power of the first light beam is increased more than when engraving along a line segment connecting the first point and the second point. The plate making apparatus according to claim 1.
光ビームで記録媒体を画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版装置であって、
前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、
前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、
前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側の下流側端部を下流側基準位置とすると、
前記光ビームの光パワー制御は、
前記第一光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
下流側基準位置又はその近傍から前記第一光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にm画素離れた第五ポイントと前記録録媒体の表面における下流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にn画素離れた第六ポイントまで、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第五ポイント又はその近傍でP1とし、
前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
第五ポイント又はその近傍から前記第二光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、第五ポイントと下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第七ポイントまで、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第七ポイント又はその近傍でP2とすることを特徴とする製版装置。
A plate making apparatus for engraving and making a plate by scanning a recording medium with a light beam at a pixel pitch,
The light beam has a first light beam and a second light beam, the optical power of the first light beam is P1, the optical power of the second light beam is P2, and the depth at which each can be engraved is d1, d2. age,
The recording medium is scanned with the one light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, and then the scanning line scanned by the one light beam is scanned with the other light beam. Engraving to a second depth d1 + d2 deeper than one depth,
When the downstream end on the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the area where the recording medium remains convex is defined as the downstream reference position,
The optical power control of the light beam is
When the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with a predetermined pixel pitch with the first light beam,
After making the optical power of the first light beam equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy from the downstream reference position or its vicinity, the fifth point separated from the downstream reference position by m pixels downstream in the scanning direction and the surface of the prerecorded recording medium From the downstream reference position to the sixth point separated by n pixels upstream in the scanning direction, increase the optical power to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and set P1 at or near the fifth point,
When the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with a predetermined pixel pitch with the second light beam,
After making the optical power of the second light beam equal to or greater than the engraving threshold energy from the fifth point or its vicinity, (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels away from the fifth point and the downstream reference position downstream in the scanning direction A plate making apparatus characterized in that the optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape up to the seventh point, and P2 is set at or near the seventh point.
前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、
前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第五ポイントと第六ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げることを特徴とする請求項3に記載の製版装置。
The optical power of the first light beam engraving a partial area or the entire area in the adjacent area adjacent to the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex part constituting the upper part of the area where the surface of the recording medium remains convex. Lower so that the top surface of sculpture is below the engraving threshold energy,
In the adjacent region close to the outside in the scanning direction upstream of the adjacent region, the optical power of the first light beam is increased more than when engraving along a line segment connecting the fifth point and the sixth point. The plate making apparatus according to claim 3.
nが、1以上、3以下の整数であることを特徴とする請求項1〜請求項4のいずれか1項に記載の製版装置。   The plate making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein n is an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less. mが、5以上、30以下の整数であることを特徴とする請求項1〜請求項5のいずれか1項に記載の製版装置。   The plate making apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein m is an integer of 5 or more and 30 or less. 前記記録媒体は、光ビームが、主走査方向と、前記主走査方向に直交する副走査方向と、に走査されることにより彫刻され、
前記光ビームの光パワー制御は、主走査方向及び副走査方向のいずれか一方又は両方を走査する際に行なれることを特徴とする請求項1〜請求項6のいずれか1項に記載の製版装置。
The recording medium is engraved by scanning a light beam in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction,
The plate making according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the optical power control of the light beam can be performed when scanning one or both of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. apparatus.
光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版方法であって、
前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、
前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、
前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側の上流側端部を上流側基準位置とすると、
前記第一光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にm画素離れた第一ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと前記記録媒体の表面における上流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にn画素離れた第二ポイントまで、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、上流側基準位置又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とし、
前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
上流側基準位置から走査方向上流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第三ポイント又はその近傍から、第一ポイントと第三ポイントまで、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2から線形状又は略線形状に下げて、第一ポイント又はその近傍で彫刻閾値エネルギー以下とすることを特徴とする製版方法。
A plate making method for engraving and making a plate by scanning the recording medium with a light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch,
The light beam has a first light beam and a second light beam, the optical power of the first light beam is P1, the optical power of the second light beam is P2, and the depth at which each can be engraved is d1, d2. age,
The recording medium is scanned with the one light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, and then the scanning line scanned by the one light beam is scanned with the other light beam. Engraving to a second depth d1 + d2 deeper than one depth,
When the upstream end on the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper part of the region where the recording medium remains convex is the upstream reference position,
When engraving by scanning the recording medium with a predetermined pixel pitch with the first light beam,
From a first point that is m pixels away from the upstream reference position to the upstream side in the scanning direction, or the vicinity thereof, to a second point that is n pixels away from the upstream reference position on the surface of the recording medium and the downstream side in the scanning direction. The optical power of the first light beam is lowered from P1 to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and is made equal to or lower than the engraving threshold energy at or near the upstream reference position,
When the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with a predetermined pixel pitch with the second light beam,
The optical power of the second light beam from P2 to the first point and the third point from the third point or its vicinity away from the upstream reference position by (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels upstream in the scanning direction. A plate-making method, wherein the engraving threshold energy is reduced to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and the engraving threshold energy is set at or near the first point.
前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向上流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、
前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第一ポイントと第二ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻することを特徴とする請求項8に記載の製版方法。
The optical power of the first light beam engraving a partial area or the entire area in the adjacent area adjacent to the upstream side in the scanning direction of the convex part that forms the upper part of the area where the surface of the recording medium remains convex. Lower so that the top surface of sculpture is below the engraving threshold energy,
Engraving by raising the optical power of the first light beam in the adjacent area close to the outside in the scanning direction upstream of the adjacent area than when engraving along the line segment connecting the first point and the second point. The plate making method according to claim 8.
光ビームで記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査することにより、前記記録媒体を彫刻して製版する製版方法であって、
前記光ビームは、第一光ビームと第二光ビームとを有し、前記第一光ビームの光パワーをP1、前記第二光ビームの光パワーをP2、各々彫刻できる深さをd1,d2とし、
前記一方の光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して第一深度d1あるいはd2まで彫刻した後、前記一方の光ビームが走査した走査線上を前記他方の光ビームで走査して第一深度よりも深い第二深度d1+d2まで彫刻し、
前記記録媒体を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側の下流側端部を下流側基準位置とすると、
前記第一光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
下流側基準位置又はその近傍から前記第一光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側にm画素離れた第五ポイントと前記録録媒体の表面における下流側基準位置から走査方向上流側にn画素離れた第六ポイントまで、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第五ポイント又はその近傍でP1とし、
前記第二光ビームで前記記録媒体を所定の画素ピッチで走査して彫刻する際には、
第五ポイント又はその近傍から前記第二光ビームの光パワーを彫刻閾値エネルギー以上とした後、第五ポイントと下流側基準位置から走査方向下流側に(2m+n)×(P2/P1)画素離れた第七ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って、線形状又は略線形状に光パワーを上げて、第七ポイント又はその近傍でP2とすることを特徴とする製版方法。
A plate making method for engraving and making a plate by scanning the recording medium with a light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch,
The light beam has a first light beam and a second light beam, the optical power of the first light beam is P1, the optical power of the second light beam is P2, and the depth at which each can be engraved is d1, d2. age,
The recording medium is scanned with the one light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch and engraved to the first depth d1 or d2, and then the scanning line scanned by the one light beam is scanned with the other light beam. Engraving to a second depth d1 + d2 deeper than one depth,
When the downstream end on the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex portion constituting the upper portion of the area where the recording medium remains convex is defined as the downstream reference position,
When the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with a predetermined pixel pitch with the first light beam,
After making the optical power of the first light beam equal to or higher than the engraving threshold energy from the downstream reference position or its vicinity, the fifth point separated from the downstream reference position by m pixels downstream in the scanning direction and the surface of the prerecorded recording medium From the downstream reference position to the sixth point separated by n pixels upstream in the scanning direction, increase the optical power to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape, and set P1 at or near the fifth point,
When the engraving is performed by scanning the recording medium with the second light beam at a predetermined pixel pitch,
After making the optical power of the second light beam equal to or greater than the engraving threshold energy from the fifth point or its vicinity, (2m + n) × (P2 / P1) pixels away from the fifth point and the downstream reference position downstream in the scanning direction A plate making method characterized in that the optical power is increased to a linear shape or a substantially linear shape along a line connecting the seventh point, and P2 is set at or near the seventh point.
前記記録媒体の表面を凸状に残す領域の上部を構成する凸部の走査方向下流側に隣接する隣接領域における一部領域又は全領域を彫刻する前記第一光ビームの光パワーを、凸部の上面が彫刻閾値エネルギー以下になるように下げ、
前記隣接領域の走査方向上流側外側に近接する近接領域では、第五ポイントと第六ポイントとを結ぶ線分に沿って彫刻するときよりも前記第一光ビームの光パワーを上げて彫刻することを特徴とする請求項10に記載の製版方法。
The optical power of the first light beam engraving a partial area or the entire area in the adjacent area adjacent to the downstream side in the scanning direction of the convex part constituting the upper part of the area where the surface of the recording medium remains convex. Lower so that the top surface of sculpture is below the engraving threshold energy,
Engraving by increasing the optical power of the first light beam in the adjacent area close to the outside in the scanning direction upstream of the adjacent area than when engraving along the line segment connecting the fifth point and the sixth point. The plate making method according to claim 10.
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